Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, Not Fried: Get crispy tacos without the mess of deep frying.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Use your favorite toppings and sauces to make them your own.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy texture and cheesy filling make these a hit with all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup enchilada sauce
- 2.5 cups Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican cheese blend)
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toppings: hot sauce, guacamole, salsa, pickled onions, sour cream, lime wedges
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, then simmer for a few minutes.
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds until they are pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place oiled side down on a baking sheet. Add shredded cheese, beef mixture, and more cheese to one half of the tortilla. Fold over.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake for 16 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Flour Tortillas: Use flour tortillas instead of corn; reduce baking time by 4-6 minutes.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like Pepper Jack and Cheddar for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked tacos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or reheat in an air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but reduce the baking time by 4-6 minutes as they cook faster.
How do I keep my tortillas from breaking?
Warm them before assembling to make them more flexible.
What cheese works best for these tacos?
Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and create a gooey filling.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them before baking, then bake when ready.
Can I air-fry these tacos instead of baking?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until crispy.
What dipping sauces pair well with these tacos?
Try guacamole, salsa, queso, or a creamy avocado sauce.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
How do I prevent my tacos from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use a nonstick or ceramic sheet pan, and avoid using foil as the tortillas may stick.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better.
Can I freeze these tacos?
Yes, freeze before baking and bake from frozen when ready.
Conclusion
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are the perfect baked alternative to traditional fried tacos. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make for a quick dinner or party snack. Serve them with your favorite dips and toppings for a meal everyone will love!
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious baked alternative to traditional fried tacos. Made with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and crispy corn tortillas, these tacos are easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. No deep frying required—just bake them to golden perfection and serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90%)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup enchilada sauce
- 2.5 cups Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican cheese blend)
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- Hot sauce
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Pickled onions
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, then simmer for a few minutes.
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds until pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil and place the oiled side down on a baking sheet. Add shredded cheese, beef mixture, and more cheese on one half of the tortilla, then fold over.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake for 16 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Notes
- Flour Tortillas Alternative: Reduce baking time by 4-6 minutes if using flour tortillas.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Extra Cheesy: Use a mix of Oaxaca, Pepper Jack, and Cheddar for a melty, gooey filling.
